The second record from this Minneapolis trio firmly established them as one of the most promising hard-edged pop bands to surface in the 1990s. The leadoff track, the modern rock radio hit "Closing Time," neatly encapsulat... more &raquoes everything that makes Semisonic special, from its irresistibly catchy chorus to an ingeniously minimalist keyboard riff to a simple lyric that speaks volumes to the 20-something nightclubbing set. Elsewhere, the band broadens its base with touches of psychedelic production ("California"), boogie-woogie- influenced piano ("Never You Mind") and tender string accompaniment ("Gone to the Movies"). The disc drags a bit in the middle with less memorable tracks such as "Completely Pleased" and "This Will Be My Year," but overall, Feeling Strangely Fine finds Semisonic blooming radiantly. --Peter Blackstock&laquo less

Synopsis

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The second record from this Minneapolis trio firmly established them as one of the most promising hard-edged pop bands to surface in the 1990s. The leadoff track, the modern rock radio hit "Closing Time," neatly encapsulates everything that makes Semisonic special, from its irresistibly catchy chorus to an ingeniously minimalist keyboard riff to a simple lyric that speaks volumes to the 20-something nightclubbing set. Elsewhere, the band broadens its base with touches of psychedelic production ("California"), boogie-woogie- influenced piano ("Never You Mind") and tender string accompaniment ("Gone to the Movies"). The disc drags a bit in the middle with less memorable tracks such as "Completely Pleased" and "This Will Be My Year," but overall, Feeling Strangely Fine finds Semisonic blooming radiantly. --Peter Blackstock

Member CD Reviews

CD Reviews

So much more than Closing Time

Chad A. Lauterbach | Los Angeles, CA USA | 05/04/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This band had the huge hit "Closing Time" on this CD, and right so, it's an awesome track. But I feel the band has been largely misunderstood and overlooked. At the heart they are kind of a goofy (like the Bare Naked Ladies), prep boy driven, pop band. This CD contains some other great tracks even though they aren't totally in line with the Closing Time sound. Singing in my Sleep and Secret Smile are outstanding songs, and worthy of an album purchase without Closing Time at all. However, most of this bands works have been hit and miss for me, and I believe many people. Of the two CD's I own I find I like half the tracks and skip the other half most of the time. I think they could really be a leading band in the pop field if they could become more consistent; however, I still believe they are an innovative part of the music scene today."

Lots of top singles and other great songs!

Emilia, A-level student | Nr. London, UK | 03/31/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is definitely worth buying. I bought it after hearing "Secret Smile" and "Closing Time", and as soon as I listened to the album I realised that Semisonic are not one of those bands who just has a couple of really good songs and the rest are almost identical. No, not at all! All of the songs are individual and special in their own way; I especially like the strings in "Gone To The Movies", and my favourite song of theirs, "Singing in my Sleep" is fantastic! This CD is really great because it doesn't attempt to be really "deep and meaningful" or "dark" in any way, it's just really open and uplifting! Dan Wilson's vocals are fabulous, and the lyrics and melodies are all catchy and fun! The only reason the CD doesn't get five stars is because a few of the songs in the middle aren't completely up to scratch, but they're good nevertheless. In fact, this CD inspired me to learn to play guitar! A must buy!"

More than you expect

Dave | IL | 07/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Semisonic is a rare band doing something different in the era of modern generic rock, although you might not know it just from hearing Closing Time (a good song in its own right, but not ground-breaking). The song-writing here is far more complex than you would expect and the instrumentation is fresh on virtually every track. As a result, this album grows quite nicely on you. It also occupies a very different niche from their debut, Great Divide, which is a fantastic album that was critically acclaimed but a commercial failure; FSF is less electric and raucous, but it finds a very satisfying intimacy after a few listens. It is no coincidence that the most thoughtful (and recent) reviews are overwhelmingly positive; this is a great album and will grow on you."

Semisonic can take me home anyday . . . .

Dave | 09/17/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I first heard "Closing Time" It was merely by accident. It was around 3:00am on a Sunday morning & I couldn't go to sleep. I decided that I should, so I got under the covers and sat in my bed. Then the video came on. I sat there & watched it, enchanted not only by Dan Wilson's hip-swinging, but by the music. I went out the very next day & bought the cd. I listen to it non-stop. It's a great cd. All the songs were so well written, and they are so romantic. My personal favorite is "Gone To The Movies." It's such an excellent. An excellent ending to a great cd. Also, since I was a fan & went back & bought "Pleasure" and "Great Divide". Both of those cd's are really great & if you are as big a fan as me you should go out and get those cd's too. Semisonic's sound is the best I've heard in a long time & know that they are Grammy material for sometime in the near future. Email me what you think!!!"